Bear CatalogDid you ever have a teddy bear growing up? It is a very common gift for people to give to an expectant mother. It is also a common gift given on Valentine’s Day as an expression of love and affection.

A couple of days ago I had one of my readers contact me about a catalog she received in the mail from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. She said she has ordered teddy bears from them for years to give as gifts; however, she wouldn’t be ordering from them ever again. Why? Because they have chosen to venture down a path that not only doesn’t line up with the idea of gifts for children and those you love, but they’ve chosen to sell a product that makes a mockery of love itself.

They have chosen to sell a Christian Grey Bear, equipped with blindfold and handcuffs. The catalog states:

Dominate Valentine’s Day this year. Give the one you love Grey Bear frontsomething that will obsess and possess her. With all of the trappings of a memorable gift- daring, passion, exciting next-to-skin touch- she’ll be desperate to get close. This Bear seduces her with silky, smoky grey fur; smoldering grey Grey Bear backeyes; a handsome gray suit and silver tie. He even comes with a mask and handcuffs. She can’t help but submit to loving him.”

You can purchase this bear for $89.99. Seriously? Since when did words like obsess, possess, seduces, and submit have anything to do with teddy bears?

Scripture tells us clearly God is love; however, He has NOTHING to do with what is described in this catalog [1 John 4:8]. This description is nothing more than debauchery, which is defined as,

excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; bad or immoral behavior that involves sex, drugs, alcohol, etc.; seduction from virtue.”

God’s word is clear in Romans 13:13,

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”

Or Galatians 5:19,

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;”

I am not a prude; far from it, in fact. I believe sex is a beautiful gift from God and was intended to be enjoyed. However, I do not believe what the book, Fifty Shades of Grey, or this bear promotes is what God ever intended. I am astounded the lengths companies and people are going to in order to elevate this type of sexuality. It promotes a divergent form of sexuality which perpetuates sex trafficking in our nation. This is nothing more than porn with spin off products. To read more about it, you can go here.

I want to encourage you to let the Vermont Teddy Bear Company know your thoughts about this bear. You can reach them at 1-800-829-2327 and write them at The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Attn: Customer Service, 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482.

Speak up and speak out. Raise your voice for hope!